Views Review

"Views" is the recently released full length studio album from Toronto rapper Drake.  "Views" is an inconsistant 20 track album that often feels directionless with gems few and far between.  The album isn't a complete miss as some tracks are solid (Hotline Bling was thrown on so I wouldn't really count it) but the overall feel of the record is disjointed and dragged down with filler songs.

The mood of the album is ever so Drake.  Moody, meloncholic, and filled with Drake airing out his dirty laundry.  "Keep The Family Close" does however kick the album off with an epic, james bond like intro that instantly grabs your attention.  "Feel No Ways" is also a track that caught my interest with its 80's pop style and droning drum beats.  Unfortunatley the album gets lost in translation for the most part after that.  Songs such as "Still Here", "Faithful, and "Redemption" just to name a few are forgettable tracks that muck up the lengthy dud that is "Views".

Artistically the album does fall short in many aspects and the struggle bars on "Pop Style" and "Child's Play" don't help Drake's case either.  Drake should focus on making music similar to "If You're Reading This Its Too Late".  An mixtape that is a bit more concise and filled to the brim with anguish and was able to shed light on a darker side of Drake.  This album seems like the equivelent of going to the prom with your third option; Kendrick and Kanye both surpassed him to the dance.

Rating: 7.0/10

More Than The Fairy Track Review

"More Than The Fairy" is the latest single released from Death Grips only a few weeks after the release of their fifth studio album "Bottomless Pit".  The track features Primus' very own Les Claypool on bass if Death Grips wasn't eccentric enough for you.  The track starts out with Claypool's iconic bass sound taken to another level.  The production value is classic Death Grips and brings forth the wet dream that is Les Claypool's bass style processed industrially.

MC Ride's voice is a great compliment to the staticky, clicky production and the group sticks to their guns with their very industrial/trip-hop mashup of musical styles.  Claypool's bass could've been highlighted a bit more in my opinion but just being able to hear a new twist on the bass legend's sound is refreshing and well worth the listen.  Overall, "More Than The Fairy" doesn't dissapoint and is well worth a listen if you are a fan of Death Grips or Primus.  I only hope for a collaborative album in the future.

Rating: 8.4/10

Zipper Down Review

"Zipper Down" is the fourth studio album from Eagles Of Death Metal.  The garage rock duo sticks to their previous formula by creating music that isn't overly complicated, yet has the ability to make you groove.  Hughes and Homme go back and forth as the Queens Of The Stoneage desert rock influences mix together with a swingin' somewhat 50's dance hall vibe (at least on some of the more up beat tracks).  

The muddied up sound that is so unique to any Homme project is ever so prevalent on "Zipper Down".  Eagles Of Death Metal is technically Homme and Hughes but it has always been the Hughes show due to the success of QOTSA.  Regardless, this album is straight up rock n' roll.  Songs like "Complexity" and "Got A Woman" are meant to get you off your ass and shake it around in the same way a Meatloaf album would, but what makes them unique to that is the sound and production value that the duo concoct in studio.

The album is a culmination of the band's major influences it seems.  There are remnants of The Clash on "The Deuce", as previously mentioned Meatloaf, and just about every early 80's rock band from Joan Jett to the B52's.  Blues and originality don't necessarily belong in the same sentence but Eagles Of Death Metal's sound is very unique in its right that they are one of the exceptions.  The album does some aspects fantastically, but in other ways, the album gets a bit monotonous as the swingin' and jumpin' only can hold your attention for so long.

Final Summary:

As this being my first Eagles Of Death Metal album to listen to, I was happy to discover it.  I have always been a huge QOTSA fan and having that signature Homme sound on any album is a treat to me.  The upbeat songs mixed with structurally rigid production creates a unique sound that is very identifiable as far as influences are concerned.  I could've used more diversity in the tracks, the upbeat rockin' needed a little more balance for me but the album was good enough to give their earlier material a shot.

Rating: 7.7/10

...Like Clockwork Review

"...Like Clockwork" is the sixth studio album from rock band Queens Of The Stone Age.  Their previous album Era Vulgaris heralded mixed reviews from critics but it marked a six year gap in between albums for the band.  Josh Homme had been a very busy person during that 6 year album gap.  Whether it be producing albums for the Arctic Monkeys, forming supergroups with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones, or surviving a near-death experience, Homme kept himself plenty busy.  "...Like Clockwork" feels like a rebirth of sorts after the band embarked on an extensive tour reissuing their self-titled debut record.  The album is dark, dreary, and filled with special surprises that really encapsulate a time where Josh Homme truly felt like death was after him and this is the final product.
 
Queens esentially reinvirogated the spirit that band had back in the Rated R days.  The album has a fresh and saturated sound that helped carry the band to success in the first place.  "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" is a good intro that slowly builds and creates the gloomy atmosphere that the album has.  "I Sat By The Ocean" is one of my favorites of this album due to the fact that it's a straight-up rock song.  It doesn't try to pull any punches and gives you a song you can enjoy wholly.  The single released off from the album "My God Is The Sun" is actually one of my least favorite songs.  It feels borderline commercial and didn't give me anything to be excited about.

"Kalopsia" and "The Vampyre Of Time And Memory" on the other hand provide two of the more unique renditions off of "...Like Clockwork".  "Kalopsia" is produced by NIN frontman Trent Reznor and you could deduce that from the very beginning of the track.  The slow, spacey beginning of the song slowly builds up with keys and atmosphere and then crescendos with heavy guitars and growling vocals.  "The Vampyre Of Time And Memory" is a piano ballad that has the sharpness of a John Lennon solo career track mixed in with the fuzziness that characterizes the QOTSA sound.  Not to mention, Elton John makes an appearance on "Fairweather Friends" to give the album even more star power (Alex Turner also makes a guest appearance on "If I Had A Tail".

Final Summary:

"...Like Clockwork" is an album with atmosphere and every good album needs that to be listenable.  QOTSA does a great job of setting the mood early and carrying that moment all the way to the end of the album.  With great tracks, great guest appearances, and distinct character, Queens Of The Stone Age delivers a revitalized effort with this one and doesn't pull any punches during the process.  The album perfectly blends the band's soft and rough sides to create a true rock album in every sense of the definition.

Rating: 8.7/10

A Moon Shaped Pool Review

"A Moon Shaped Pool" is the ninth studio album from British artist Radiohead.  With their previous album "The King Of Limbs" garnering mixed reviews, Radiohead had the pressure on to deliver something to the caliber of "In Rainbows" to show fans that the band's best days weren't behind them, and they certainly delivered.  "A Moon Shaped Pool" is a very depressing, introspective record that highlight's Yorke's howling cries and the band's orchestral, ambient production value.  

The albums starts out with the single "Burn The Witch" (which I did a track review for  http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/05/burn-witch-track-review.html).  The song sets the tone for the record as the anxiety builds steadily making for an overwhelming song to kick the record off.  "Decks Dark" and "Desert Island Disk" are two solid tracks that keep the momentum of the album moving smoothly as "Decks Dark" is an airy treat that accompanies Yorke's vocals with piano keys and plenty of amibence and "Desert Island Disk" is driven by a Spanish guitar riff that keeps you glued in.

The second half of the album is filled with somber, down right depressing tracks such as "Glass Eyes" and "True Love Waits".  Radiohead really dives deep into some interpersonal aspects of being alone, what you think of when you feel lost in a big world, and everything in between.  "The Numbers" is definitely one of the more ambitious tracks on the album.  It sounds like something The Beatles would've released orchestrally off of Sgt Peppers but it mixes well with Yorke's vocals and the bass line and guitar riff are rock solid.  The album feels like a mix of "Kid A" and "In Rainbows" as the band really blends together what made them successful in the past.  The alien-like, overly strange lyrics represent the time period in which the band switched over to a more electronically driven sound, and the overly ambient, sequential riffs featured on "In Rainbows" make a comeback for a similar rendition on "A Moon Shaped Pool".

Final Summary:

"A Moon Shaped Pool" was exactly the type of album I wanted to hear from Radiohead.  The band has released so much groundbreaking material over their 20+ year music career but I feel they took snippets of the best elements from each of their albums to concoct and perfect their sound on this record.  The album is downright depressing at some points but in true Radiohead fashion, they make you forget because the music is so goddamn good.  The band by far topped their previous release and gave the die hard Radiohead fans exactly what they wanted.

Rating: 9.0/10

Check out my previous Radiohead reviews as well!

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-rainbows-review.html

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/02/kid-review.html

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/ok-computer-review.html

The Money Store Review

"The Money Store" is the debut studio album from Sacramento based experimental hip-hop group Death Grips.  The album smacks you across the face with the blood-curdling shouts of MC Ride in conjunction with very industrial sounding, experimental hip-hop beats played throughout.  The album is staticky, drenched in anger, and takes elements of hardcore music to concoct a overwhelmingly unique blend of genres and sounds.  

"Get Got" is the song that kicks off this record and you can tell right from the get-go that this isn't your average hip-hop album.  The group takes industrial hip-hop to the next level and really speaks to a large audience as Death Grips could grab the attention of Nine Inch Nails or Tool fans but they also appeal to hip-hop fans as a whole.  "I've Seen Footage" sounds like something Public Enemy would've came out with back in the day mixed in with some Run DMC-esque bass and hi-hat.  On the other end of the spectrum, songs like "Hustle Bones" and "Double Helix" are much more industrial sounding as MC Ride puts his special stamp on each and every track.

But no matter the main genre because clearly there isn't, the hysteria surrounding this album is palpable.  The fast paced, sped up, aggressive approach from Death Grips gives you an anxiety attack yet in some way, its ok that it does.  The album tackles subjects that aren't typical in your normal pop culture and I believe that's the main appeal of Death Grips.  They tackle subjects such as excess, drugs, and sex but they tell it from a really low, grimy perspective.  This album should excite you, its the shot of adrenaline you've been missing.

Final Summary:

"The Money Store" is Death Grips announcement that they have arrived on the scene with a roaring, aggressive approach.  The songs essentially blend together as the album would be best described as controlled chaos.  Your ear canals will be invaded by all of these different sounds and messages that you certainly aren't used to but it's fresh and its not about to conform to any type of standard set.  "The Money Store" takes no prisoners and it's leaves whoever didn't hop on the train dead on the tracks.

Rating: 8.6/10

Channel Orange Review

"Channel Orange" is the debut studio album from hip-hop/R&B artist Frank Ocean.  The album has an eclectic cast of musical influences that stem from many genres such as hip-hop, soul, electro-funk, pop, jazz, and even psychedelia.  The album has a sense of maturity even though it is Frank Ocean's debut (who was 24 at the time of recording).  The themes of Channel Orange range from promiscuous women, lifestyles, money, and ultimately finding out your true identity.

The song "Thinkin Bout You" became the most well-known track off of "Channel Orange".  Its a bit of a slow jam but the vocals catch your attention right from the start and you could listen to Frank emote all day.  You can't help but picture a Romeo & Juliette scenario while listening to this.  The heartbreak is felt throughout this album and it really shows on songs such as "Bad Religion" and "Forrest Gump".  It was revealed that Frank Ocean's first love was a man and I felt Ocean used this album brilliantly as an outlet for anything he may have hid in the past.

Then there's the nearly 10 minute track "Pyramids" which keeps your attention held throughout.  I'd really recommend this album on vinyl, not only is the orange double vinyl pressing beautiful, but "Pyramids" is an entirely different experience on vinyl.  You can hear every crackle dusted in between and on a ten minute song it becomes an epic listening experience.  Not only does the album sizzle on vinyl, but you can hear influences of great artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on and on.

Final Summary:

"Channel Orange" shines as bright as a debut can for artist.  The influences are present but Frank Ocean is so unique in his delivery and subject matter that he has the power to influence.  The Weeknd and Drake wouldn't be the same artists if it hadn't been for Frank Ocean.  The album started a trend of hip-hop/R&B artists who encompass today's music scene and have all been patient for Frank's follow up.  Overall, Ocean is our anti-hero through an album that is well balanced in every way and dressed by sorrow, heartbreak, and finding out the inner workings of your own being.

Rating: 9.2/10

Siamese Dream Review

"Siamese Dream" is the second studio album from 90's rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.  Coming off the heels of their highly successful debut album "Gish", the pumpkins lived up to the lofty expectations that were garnered from their debut by delivering one of the more memorable albums of the 90's.  The group had such a unique sound for the time and the album was widely anticipated because of it.  The influences are more profound compared to "Gish" but the album is anything from ordinary as the dream sequence of in your face rock tracks to more airy, delicate ballads makes "Siamese Dream" a well-balanced pariah of an album.

Songs such as "Cherub Rock" and "Geek U.S.A." smack you in the face with gritty, distorted rock and roll while "Disarm" and "Mayonaise" bring the tempo of the album down a notch for balance.  But out of all the songs on "Siamese Dream", none have gotten more air play than "Today".  The song is simple in the fact that it is an upbeat, positive sounding song but it's foundation is based on some extremely dark lyrics as the song was written by Billy Corgan while he was having suicidal thoughts.  Masking those dark emotions through upbeat rock music truly is an art form and the pumpkins were always unique as they weren't afraid to hide those types of emotions.

Aside from the dark lyrics, alternative rock/grunge displayed the direction that music was headed in.  Bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana led the way in the early 90's with their distorted guitars and angst to break the mold that the 70's and 80's abided by. But at the end of day, you can't deny the attention to detail placed on every single track as well as the straight up solid track list giving you a full platter of what The Smashing Pumpkins are all about.

Final Summary:

For an album to remain just as potent as the first time you heard it over 20 years ago, you must have a timeless record on your hands.  "Siamese Dream" embodies the elements that make The Smashing Pumpkins organically an excellent rock band and one that will forever be remembered for their timeless music.  I could get amped up listening to "Cherub Rock", I could take a breather with "Mayonaise", "Soma", or the highly underrated "Spaceboy", or you could enjoy the album as a whole and I believe that's the best way to go about it.

Rating: 8.9/10

You may also enjoy:

Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? Review

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/whats-story-morning-glory-review.html

Nirvana - In Utero Review

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-utero-review.html

Alice In Chains - Dirt Review

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/dirt-review.html

Burn The Witch Track Review

"Burn The Witch" is the new single recently released from British rock band Radiohead.  The song's power comes from the ultimate crescendo of strings the song slowly builds its foundation from.  The music takes different twists and turns throughout but the overt change in tempo and volume causes an abundance of anxiety that lingers throughout the track.  The haunting vocals from Thom Yorke over the stunningly chilling strings accent in a way that fills the gaps in between ever so delicately.  

The overall feel of the track is very dark, but the reason I love Radiohead so much is the fact that they treat their songs with a lot of care and you have to magnify each and every layer to come up with a meaning that makes sense to you.  The band wanted to raise awareness of the European refugee crisis and all of the negativity surrounding that situation.  Either way, the song garnered the attention of the masses and if this is what to be expected from Radiohead's next project, we certainly have a lot to look forward to.

Rating: 9.2/10 

Also check out my previous Radiohead reviews!

OK Computer

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/ok-computer-review.html

In Rainbows

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/03/in-rainbows-review.html

Kid A

http://the808smusicreview.blogspot.com/2016/02/kid-review.html

Damn The Torpedoes Review

"Damn The Torpedoes" is the third studio album from Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers and was the first Tom Petty record produced by Jimmy Iovine.  The album is regularly regarded as Petty's breakout album as it features many of the most notable songs released from the band including "Refugee", "Here Comes My Girl", and "Don't Do Me Like That".  The timing was perfect for the band as FM radio was at its height and rock n' roll needed someone to fill the void and bring in the 80's with a bang.  Tom Petty became a household name after this record and jump started his superstar path.

You can just tell that Tom Petty is a rocker at heart.  The influences are pure as you can hear remnants of Bob Dylan and The Beatles sprinkled into his early work.  The unique way that Petty phrases and delivers his lyrics is what I believe sets him apart from the competition.  He could fill up a sentence unlike anyone from his era and combine that with his look and robust attitude it truly made The Heartbreakers a stand out act.   

Basically every track on here became an FM radio/classic rock staple.  The album isn't extraordinarily long as it only clock in at 36 and a half minutes, but it certainly packs a punch with all the classic singles released off of "Damn The Torpedoes".  His two previous albums had smatterings of good songs like "Breakdown" off of his self-titled debut and "I Need To Know" off of "You're Gonna Get It!" but this album became the one that everyone was patiently waiting for from Tom Petty.  

Final Summary:

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers created a classic album back in 1979 during a time where punk was the scene, rock n' roll needed a new face, and a new decade left a lot of people wondering what would come next on the horizon of music.  Tom Petty filled the void with this album as all the breakout singles emcompassed the time period and provided a spark that rock n' roll desperately needed. 

Rating: 8.9/10

One Dance Track Review

"One Dance" is a single released from hip-hop recording artist Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla.  The single appears on his recently released album "Views".  The track has a catchy beat that grips you right from the beginning.  The song would work well in just about any night time scenario whether you are at a local night club or driving around the city looking for what the night may bring you.  But although the riff grabs your attention, the substance for the track is lacking tremendously.  I know it's meant to be a song exclusively for a dance floor but with Drake's success and firm grasp on song structure and flow, you'd expect a little more sizzle on that steak.  The track doesn't wow you unless you're on a dance floor, but as far as being a single for one of the most anticipated albums of 2016, it falls flat on the sidewalk.

Rating: 6.5/10

#1 Record Review

"#1 Record" is the debut album from rock band Big Star back in 1972.  The album received overall critical acclaim when the album was released but poor distribution of the album hindered the band from reaching massive success.  Big Star was formed by former Box Tops frontman Alex Chilton who brought the band an already successful musician to help create the unique sound the album had for the time.  Many people rank this as one of the most underrated albums ever and for good reason, "#1 Record" displays every positive aspect of "Classic Rock" as well as infusing some of the earliest remnants of alternative/indie rock.

The album doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel but they took an established genre and created a really, really, good album from it.  The album hits you hard with in your face riffs on the first half of the album and mellows out with many acoustic melodies and synchronized harmonies reminiscent of The Byrds or Crosby, Stills, & Nash.  "#1 Record" fires on all cylinders and just about every song is solid or really solid.  One of the tracks that I find myself hitting replay on a lot is "Thirteen".  The sweet melody, soft acoustics, and nostalgic look back at junior high school really hits home for me and is the most beautifully crafted songs on "#1 Record".

I'm a bigger fan of the first half of the record just because its heavier, but the acoustically dominate second half provides a great deal of balance and really completes the album on that front.  The band had all the chops in the world to make more iconic tunes but it just goes to show you that exposure and distribution can make or break a band, not matter how talented they may be.  The band influenced many artists including "R.E.M." and "The Replacements" who continually pay homage to Alex Chilton and Big Star.

Final Summary:

Big Star created one of the most underrated albums of the 70's that deserves a lot more exposure than it got.  I'd check out the Big Star Documentary "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" that is currently on Netflix if you want an in depth look at the band's history.  It's hard to create a perfectly balanced record.  Everything needs to fall in place ever so precisely in order for that to happen and it did with "#1 Record".  Alex Chilton went from one successful bout with the Box Tops and created a masterful album that will be looked back on as one we all may have missed.

Rating: 9.2/10

American Beauty Review

"American Beauty" is the sixth studio album from The Grateful Dead.  The album veers a way a bit from the full on psychedelia that the band is notoriously known for and takes a different path, more along the lines of something you'd hear from Bob Dylan or Crosby, Stills, & Nash.  The tighter melodies and closer care put into the vocals gives The Dead possibly their most complete album from their lengthy discography.

The album is filled to the brim with hit after hit with songs like "Box Of Rain", "Friend Of The Devil", and "Truckin'" which are classics in their own right.  The Dead come together as a band beautifully in harmony and individually each member has a standout moment.  "Operator" features Pigpen on lead vocals, "Box Of Rain" features bassist Phil Lesh at the helm, Bob Weir sings lead on "Sugar Magnolia", and of course Jerry Garcia leads on "Truckin".  More importantly, the reason "American Beauty" is a classic album is the fact that there aren't any big egos in The Grateful Dead.  Each member has their moment but the main focus was always the group effort and how to blend everything together properly.

The songs aren't lighting quick but they all leave a mark.  The album is scattered with melancholy and mellowness as the album wouldn't be necessarily classified as "upbeat" but it's stoner music, it doesn't have that effect.  "American Beauty" is the successor to "Workingman's Dead" released only a couple of months later.  Beauty makes up for anything that the "Workingman's Dead" left off the table and gave the band a complete sound that was highly influenced by the music of the times.  

Final Summary:

"American Beauty" didn't necessarily put The Grateful Dead on the map, yet it solidified their position as one of the most consistent, legendary bands of the 21st century.  The album is nothing short of a masterpiece and each and every song leaves a lasting impression on you.  The vocal harmonies are spot on, the band has never sounded more focused in and accurate, and the overall product created was one of top 500 albums of all time.

Rating: 9.5/10

Tell Me Something Different Review

"Tell Me Something Different" is the second album from Americana/Western artist Sam Cregger.  Sam uses a unique blend of sounds to make his vision come to life on this album.  The very open, airy feel to it places you out in the middle of a country field mesmerized as you're staring into the distance.  Cregger's influences are pure as you can hear Bob Dylan, Fleet Foxes, and Ray LaMontagne as the artists that impacted his music the most.

"Tell Me Something Different" isn't a cowboy album, its more of a modern Dylan-esque record with the acoustic guitars and the harmonica to boot.  "In The Dirt" presents the most upbeat track on the album and part of me was wishing more of the songs on "Tell Me Something Different" followed suit.  The song made me bob my head and feel the energy coming through my speakers.  Song such as "Still Love" and "Out West" also reminded me of saloon songs that I really connected with and provided me a very relaxing listening experience.  

To be honest, "Tell Me Something Different" does require some patience to listen to.  The album moves at a very slow pace and could deter some people from the longer tracks such as "Finding John Duphrane" and "For My Mama".  Nevertheless, Cregger's voice is very warm and inviting and you can feel the amount of emotion put in to each and every note he sings.  It's very unique to find an artist like Sam Cregger nowadays, so when I came across this record I was given hope, hope that there are still people out in the world who use older artists as their main influences and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd like many are.

Final Summary:

"Tell Me Something Different" sticks to its theme and doesn't let go of it.  The jangly guitars and wailing harmonicas provide the structure for the Americana/Western sound and Cregger's voice compliments the structure nicely.  The only recommendation I would make is to add a bit more upbeat tracks on the next album to provide more contrast.  The slower songs are good but it gets a bit overwhelming on some of the longer tracks.  But all in all, Cregger shines on this album and certainly is a unique, modern artist that you should look out for.

Rating: 7.7/10

Be sure to support his new album as well on Kickstarter!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2115205263/sam-creggers-third-album-it-is-always-now?ref=discovery

Rumours Review

"Rumours" is the classic album from the band Fleetwood Mac that made its mark in music history as one of the most distinguished albums of the 70's.  The album was written during a period where the band members were breaking up with each other behind the scenes.  What makes "Rumours" special is that you can hear that process taking place.  It's filled to the gills with different emotions spanning the likes of love, heartbreak, and distress as Fleetwood Mac perfectly portrays each and every feeling.  When you think Fleetwood Mac you think of the overpowering voice of Stevie Nicks, and even though shes absolutely phenomenal on this album, each and every member shines through equally as "Rumours" is a complete team effort.

Fleetwood Mac was a full on blues band before the group restructured.  "Rumours" was the culmination of the band's new direction and the defining moment for a group that was breaking down during the process of recording.  The group used their situation to their advantage as they created their best music at their lowest point individually.  Songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "I Don't Want To Know" are more on the upbeat side but personify emotional issues such as separation and distrust.  "Dreams" and "The Chain" are slower ballads that use a "ground and pound" method to get their message across.

But either way you slice "Rumours", you can't help but enjoy each and every song for what its worth.  The writing and musicianship is so accurately depicted throughout the album and the band paints such a beautiful picture throughout the album.  The airy, crisp atmosphere, the tasteful guitar lines of Lindsey Buckingham, the strong rhythm section, and even the keyboards from Christine McVie wow you and were simply groundbreaking during the time of release (1977).

Final Summary:

"Rumours" doesn't fail on any level you can think of.  There's a reason why people still talk about this very album today almost 40 years later.  The album is so influential on many fronts and it goes to show that you can create some of your best work at your lowest point.  Fleetwood Mac will forever be known for this album and its very deserving of all the accolades it has received over the years.

Rating: 9.8/10

Royal Blood Review

"Royal Blood" is the debut album from the British rock band Royal Blood.  The album features an album's worth of in your face heavy rock tracks that leave a small impression on you.  The sound is heavy and you can pinpoint influences from a mile away.  The sound reminds you if Jack White and Queens Of The Stoneage had a baby in Brighton.  The album comes after you quickly and fiercely like a lion would, but it doesn't really hold up as an overwhelmingly memorable debut.

Songs like "Out of the Black" and "Little Monster" provide the album with the hard hitting image it was trying to portray.  The duo really does do a great job of generating a full sound from only two members.  Though with two members you still feel as if you're wanting more.  The in your face attitude from Royal Blood unfortunately doesn't keep your your interest for too long as you find a couple of tracks that you really like, but the album as a whole doesn't congeal the way it should.

Some songs like "Ten Tonne Skeleton" feel very robotic and repetitive in nature and don't add to the overall spectrum for the group.  The effort sort of feels limp in places with a smattering of decent tracks in between.  Most importantly, I feel the band needs to find its own identity.  Its great to be influenced by plenty of bands but not when you can distinguish them blatantly.  The band has a great batch of influences that encompass some of my favorite bands ever (The White Stripes, QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys) but what Royal Blood truly needs is its own identity.

Final Summary:

The hard rock stylings of Royal Blood is a breath of fresh air when it comes to new age rock groups.  The influences from them are pure and songs like "Little Monster" and "Out Of The Black" stick with you for a while, but overall the band is in dire need of their own identity and an album that showcases what makes them unique from the previous bands mentioned.  I enjoyed my first listen through but after further analysis, I gotta say this album is pretty lackluster.

Rating: 7.3/10  

Enema Of The State Review

"Enema Of The State" is arguably Blink 182's most iconic album that they've ever released.  With classics like "All The Small Things" and "Going Away To College" the album is very memorable.  My teenage years were filled with blasting this album and in the process, were some of the first riffs I started playing on guitar.  It easily was the best pop-punk album since "Dookie" from Green Day and with iconic riffs, and the simplicity of teenage angst, Blink 182 created a memorable moment for many teenagers alike.

Not only do you have the hits, but you've got some hidden gems that stick with you after a while.  Songs such as "Dumpweed" and "The Party Song" are in your face pop-punk standards that symbolize the teenage spirit that Blink was portraying.  Blink 182 wasn't wowing you with complex riffs and over the top vocal performances either, but that's what makes them so special, they don't have to.  The songs stick to your brain like a tumor and instead of over analyzing each and every song, you can sit back and bop to the music.

"Adam's Song" is the somber note on an album filled with energy and spunk.  The song was inspired by a suicide note that Mark Hoppus read in a magazine apparently and the song leaves you with a lonely feeling that throws you off in the middle of the album.  Besides "Adam's Song",  Enema Of The State doesn't lack on energy.  Each song is relatively short but they pack a strong punch and each time I listen to this record I imagine myself back in high school.  The nostalgia factor is off the charts with with one.

Final Summary:

It's "Enema Of The State" dude, its hard to top as far as classic 90's albums are concerned.  Mark, Tom, and Travis all grabbed the reigns and created a masterpiece in the simple way that Blink conducts their business.  The album inspired many teenagers, including myself, to pick up a guitar and emulate the riffs as the simplicity of Tom's guitar lines are sweet to the ear but not overly complex like a Yngwie Malmsteen solo.  Given the nostalgia factor, it doesn't get much better than a listen through Enema Of The State.

Rating: 9.0/10

Weezer (The White Album) Review

"Weezer" is the tenth studio album from American rock band Weezer.  With the band's tenth installment in their discography, Weezer really sticks to what made them popular in the first place.  Songs like "California Kids" and "King Of The World" have the great alternative/punk sound that you'd expect from Weezer while the album simultaneously pumps out some of the best tracks the band has produced since Pinkerton.  There is also a heavy Beach Boys influence on the album as the band pays homage to the California rock legends.

The album manages to be very consistent throughout.  Song after song you get catchy hooks with an in your face attitude that Weezer is known for.  "Weezer" brings you back to the 90's in many ways as we are privileged enough to get bombarded with nostalgia on this album.  The nostalgia trip mixed in with the heavy Beach Boy influence works in perfect harmony as the concise guitar riffs keep you level throughout and the sleigh bells and ukuleles don't disappoint either.  Not only is it consistent throughout, but I've found myself blasting the same few songs over and over again.  "California Kids" and "King Of The World" in particular.  I just can't get enough of the catchy vocal melodies and in you face riffs.

Final Summary:

I can't help but love this new album from Weezer.  Weezer provides you with a mature album that is high on brownie points.  They stick to their strengths on this one and Weezer brings you back to the glory days of the band in the mid 90's.  If you are a fan of Weezer you can expect a prototypical album from the band but it seems like a huge breath of fresh air as the band tried to expand their horizons over the past ten years, in my opinion, to no avail.  "Weezer" or "The White Album" is a confident effort by a band that knows their strengths and highlighted it greatly with an album they desperately needed.  

Rating: 9.0/10

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Review

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the fifth studio album from hip-hop/rap artist Kanye West.  The album features some of the more carefully crafted work from Kanye as many critics alike rank this album as the culmination of Kanye's music career.  The album was created after months of seclusion from Kanye as he retreated to Honolulu, Hawaii to record most of this album; getting away from the paparazzi and the press.  Just about anyone who is anyone had a guest appearance on this record including the likes of Rick Ross, Jay Z, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj, just to name a few.  It also had an eclectic cast of producers who worked on the album including Madlib, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and DJ Premier.    

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy takes what his previous work "808's and Heartbreak" did and adds a larger spectrum for diverse ideas rather than an average, condensed collection of hip-hop tracks.  West samples from King Crimson most notably on "Power" as you are at first caught of guard by Kanye's use of "21st Century Schizoid Man".  Right from that moment you can sense that Kanye was thinking even more outside the box than he usually would.  Kanye gives in to his ego more and he truly believed and still believes that he is the cat's meow.  On "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", Kanye does it right and his eccentric, boastful attitude is justified due to this album's huge shift in style from Kanye's previous works.  The entire album feels open to new ideas and it isn't afraid of stepping on toes, or converting from the norm of what people expect.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is driven less on emotion and more on sheer brilliance when it comes to production and when it comes to pushing the envelope.  "Lost In The World" for example layers so many vocal melodies on top of each other as well as having Bon Iver's contribution adding to the density of the track.  The craft on this album is nothing to shake a finger at as you could tell Kanye was determined to prove his status in pop culture with his stand out album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Final Summary:

It's hard to knock Kanye on this one.  With all the chaos that erupted within Kanye's life during that period, Kanye needed this to refocus and use as a medium to get out his frustrations.  With monster production, tasteful sampling, and on point guest features My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivers on just about every level.  I could've used a little less dirty laundry from Kanye as it did get in the way on certain tracks, but all in all, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy will grow on you from a production standpoint and could very well be Kanye's most bold effort yet.

Rating: 8.8/10





    

(What's The Story) Morning Glory? Review

"(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" is the second studio album from British rock band Oasis.  The blend of alternative rock and British pop music went a long way for Oasis.  This album is packed to the gills with hit song after song that honestly feels like a greatest hits record.  The band sticks to their guns with this one and put together one of the greatest compilations of songs the 90's had the pleasure of having.  The album also includes the ever popular "Wonderwall", an anthem in its own right and a song that doesn't seem to leave your brain.

Their previous release "Definitely Maybe" bursted Oasis onto the scene as rebellious British rock stars as they led a mini revival of the British invasion along with the band Blur.  "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" is more of a mature effort that was sparked from some inner conflict over production issues between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.  Sometimes the best comes from bad situations and the brothers put their differences aside to create an album dripping in emotion and is not afraid of letting it shine through to carry the album to greatness.

Not only does the album have hits such as "Wonderwall", "Champagne Supernova", and "Don't Look Back In Anger", but just about every song on here has a catchy hook or an intoxicating melody that amazes you.  Songs like "She's Electric" and "Cast No Shadow" are hits in their own right as the band channeled their inner Beatles to bring you that same magic you got from listening to Abbey Road for the first time.  Its that good.  The Duo worked through their differences and at the end of the process they found a rainbow and a pot of gold.  The album is critically acclaimed and often is put up on the best albums ever charts.

Final Summary:

What made the Beatles great was the fact that they weren't afraid of holding back the emotions that they bled.  The same goes for Oasis on "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?".  The conflict between the brothers added to the already polished product that was this album.  If anything the emotion heard on this album is what really puts "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" over the top. "Champagne Supernova" alone is a track that for its length, packed a strong punch and kept you on the hook throughout.  The song is nothing short of an anthem and caps off an album full of wonder, amazement, emotion, and right down to the bone raw rock n' roll.

Rating: 9.1/10

Recipe For Hate Review

"Recipe For Hate" is the seventh full-length album from punk rock icons Bad Religion.  The band sticks to their guns with this one as you get a hard hitting album filled with lyrics that make you think.  Frontman Greg Graffin always paints with his lyrics as he speaks about societal issues that plague us every day in a poetic way.  Songs such as "American Jesus" and "Struck A Nerve" serve as some of the more well-known Bad Religion tunes and overall the album rules with an iron fist in the punk scene.

A song that stood out on this album for me is "Skyscraper".  The anthemic track really inspires you with its infectious melodies and catchy riffs and considering its towards the end of the album, it leaves you off on an excellent note.  One thing in punk is that the majority of the tracks will often sound similar and this album is no different.  The similar tracks blend into one another as some tracks get lost in translation.  The difference that helps certain tracks stand out is change of pace.  "Struck A Nerve" is slowed down dramatically and Graffin makes sure you hear his words.  

With Bad Religion, you get what you pay for.  They hit you hard with knowledge and a horde of guitars to get their message across.  The often times redundant tracks could deter you from enjoying this album as a whole, but the punk rock kings reel you in with their sound that you probably fell in love with a long time ago.  This is also the album where the band "sold out" as they signed with Atlantic Records after leaving Epitaph.  They eventually returned to Epitaph but the production value stays the same course of what you've come to know and love from Bad Religion.

Final Summary:

The album is much more diverse than their previous works.  It features some hits but more misses than anything.  The album will grow on you after a while but at the end of the day, you can't deny the sound of Bad Religion.  The band puts everything they're offering on the table and they don't take returns.  "Recipe For Hate" isn't the best album they've ever released, but it does hold a special place in the hearts of punk rock fans as the melodically driven album finds a way to stay in your music library.

Rating: 7.8/10

In Utero Review

After the release of their breakout album "Nevermind", Nirvana was on top of the world.  The album was an extraordinary commercial success and put the band under the ever-so-bright spotlight of the music industry.  Kurt Cobain didn't take the fame too well as he never wanted it in the first place.  Cobain wanted to play his music and be left alone but the music he released shifted a generation of angst-filled teenagers and outcasts who wanted more and more from the band.  "In Utero" is very much Kurt's way of dealing with the new found fame; yet it was done in a very compressed way.  The songs don't have the same edginess that "Nevermind" had and many of the tracks feel compressed to bits with their wings clipped.  But you can't deny the stellar writing from Cobain and you can't compress the way Cobain's voice tears through your soul.     

"In Utero" often feels like a neutered version of "Nevermind".  The sound is very commercial and doesn't capture the true essence of a band that was so groundbreaking in many ways.  Though "Heart-Shaped Box" is a gritty ballad that stands alone on an album stripped of its essentials.  The pain is palpable in Kurt's voice on this track and the band follows suit with a steady, droning melody.  "Serve The Servants" is about as close as you're gonna get to an autobiography in a track from Cobain.  He talks about his parents divorce and his relationship with his father.  It's also one of the deeper cuts that you may of missed out on your first listen through.  The sound on this album is much more alternative than anything else as each track feels distant from what you'd expect and ultimately flat on the surface.  Cobain was notoriously dissatisfied with how the album turned out production wise and you can't really blame him.  Not only that, but I also found there to be more filler tracks than gems.  A lot of the tracks on here don't even come close to the energy put into the track list on"Nevermind" and many tracks feel like unnecessary noise jammed in between the few good ones. 

You do have some classic Nirvana tracks on here such as "All Apologies", "Dumb", and "Pennyroyal Tea" to help this album's cause but in whole the album doesn't quite cut it.  The album feels noisy and held-back simultaneously in a way that you can only realize by listening through.  "Rape Me" is a perfect example of a noisy song with no direction.  The droning lyrics and overt screaming feel really lazy coming from Kurt and in conjunction, uninspired.  

Final Summary:

"In Utero" had large shoes to fill.  "Nevermind" is a bonafide 10/10 and the resulting follow-up just doesn't give you that similar feeling.  The album feels stripped of everything that "Nevermind" was and although the effort was bold, it wasn't the Nirvana we knew.  There were a few songs that stood out but overall, the album feels compressed to shit and uninspired in many ways.  I will give Cobain this, dealing with success is a tough thing to do.  It's draining for someone who isn't used to it and let alone doesn't want it.  Ultimately, it showed on "In Utero" that it had a negative affect on his craft.  But at the end of the day, "In Utero" is hit or miss.  If anyone else wrote this it would've been deemed mediocre at best, but Nirvana had the luxury of being Nirvana so in essence, it was over-hyped a bit.  I don't know what Cobain truly thought about "In Utero", but I wouldn't of wanted to go out like this.

Rating: 7.5/10   

Graduation Review

"Graduation" is the 3rd studio album from hip-hop star Kanye West.  This album marked the final educationally themed album as his two previous albums were "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration".  "Graduation" is deemed his most consistent and mature album up to that point as he shifted over to a more conceptual approach creating more anthemic music utilizing synthesizers and electronic production methods.

"Graduation" has a lot of attention paid to detail.  The album feels a lot tighter than his previous albums and in addition to that, Kanye's writing has improved as well.  The album starts off strong with three inspiring songs "Good Morning", "Champion", and "Stronger".  They start the album on a positive note as you feel uplifted by the airy anthems Kanye pieced together with effect use of sampling.  Kanye brings the pace of the album down with songs like "I Wonder", "Everything I Am", and "Flashing Lights".  These songs provide great contrast to an album filled with excellent uplifting songs as Kanye brings you back to reality with tracks taking a deeper, introspective look on Kanye's frustrations and issues.  

Chris Martin from Coldplay also makes a guest appearance on "Homecoming" as one of the standout tracks on "Graduation".  The song grows on you after a while and the collaborative effort between the two provides another satisfying moment.  The different direction Kanye took on this album really paid off as the production value is picture perfect, the songs all have depth and deeper meaning, and overall, "Graduation" happens to be Kanye's most complete album to date (2008).  

Final Summary:

Although "Graduation" isn't considered the best album Kanye put out, it can be considered the largest step forward in Kanye's musical career.  Instead of creating an overextended compilation a la his previous two albums, he took steps forward to condense his records giving each song more care than before.  "Graduation" combines the airy, inspiring influences of bands such as Coldplay and U2 with the hip-hop craft that Mr. West takes very seriously.  "Graduation" was the stepping stone Kanye needed to blast off into his prime.

Rating: 8.6/10

  

Is This It Review

"Is This It" is the debut album from New York rockers The Strokes.  The debut album was shrouded in anticipation and hype that the band didn't really need.  The album speaks for itself.  The album had success in the US as well as internationally; charting as high as number 2 on the UK albums chart.  The medley of guitars, Julian's cutting edge vocals, and the plethora of influences you can feel in this album guide their debut into a new generation of rock featuring themselves at the forefront of it.

Garage rock meets alternative on this album as this feels ever so...New York.  You can hear The Ramones, you can hear The Velvet Underground, its all an excellent blend of influences and sounds that encapsulate this record, but The Strokes aren't copycats.  The band carried the torch for a new age of rockers at the dawn of the millennium with an incredible amount of charisma and melodic pop songs that stand on their own two feet.  Song such as "Someday" and "Last Nite" hit you hard, but not to the point of annihilation.  Casablancas wants you to hear and feel every word coming out of his mouth, and the guitar duo of Albert Hammond Jr and Nick Valensi cohesively stick to their strengths and their guitar styles sync up perfectly.

Another endearing quality to this album is that it doesn't feel overproduced.  The Strokes basically said "Here you go!" as the garage rock production is a refreshing quality for "Is This It".  The album doesn't overstay it's welcome either.  "Is This It" is a whopping 36 minutes and 28 seconds in length and even though you may want more tracks on this album, this is The Strokes at their finest and any other filler tracks wouldn't of helped their debut any bit.  Other notable tracks include "Hard To Explain", "The Modern Age", and "Take It Or Leave It".

Final Summary:

The Strokes got a plate and filled it to it's necessary capacity.  They found a fine balance between their own style and making sure their influences were heard through and through.  The production doesn't wow you but that is one of the things magical about "Is This It", it doesn't have to.  The combined effort from each and every musician in The Strokes pulled together a nearly perfect first album for a band being put under the microscope from many critics; as they were being compared to all-time great bands like The Rolling Stones or The Ramones.  But all in all, its current, its retro, its simply The Strokes.

Rating: 9.0/10

Pickin' Up The Pieces Review

"Pickin' Up The Pieces" is the debut album from Fitz and The Tantrums.  Fitz uses Motown and Soul as the backbone of their debut but fuses in indie pop influences as well to create an anomaly of an album,  The album sounds old and new at the same time while putting together a solid line-up of songs necessary to differentiate themselves from the pack.  For an album recorded mainly in the lead singer's living room, "Pickin' Up The Pieces" provides us with an aesthetically pleasing album that packs a large punch.

The album is the perfect soundtrack to any upscale night on the town.  The classic feel mixed with the new-age vibe creates an intoxicating environment that lasts throughout the album.  Songs such as "Breakin' The Chains Of Love" and "Don't Gotta Work It Out" serve as the epitome of Fitz and The Tantrums sound.  The hand claps, the shuffling, and church organs all blend so well together to create a satisfying finished product.  Also, the flute on the title track shines as one of the brightest moments on this album as the catchy riff grabs your attention and makes you move.

Fitz's musical partner Noelle Scaggs cuts some impressive work on this album and you wish she'd have a little more attention on "Pickin' Up The Pieces".  Other tracks that stand out on their own are "Moneygrabber" and "Winds Of Change".  "Moneygrabber" serves as the anthem for this album as the hook on the chorus grabs every one's attention as we are sucked into the soul-influenced band's wheelhouse.  And  "Winds Of Change" builds up very slowly and is credited in my opinion as the album's finest slow jam. 

Final Summary:

For a debut album, you can't ask for much more than what Fitz and The Tantrums did here.  They established what they were all about, they put themselves on a platform that is all to their own, and they created an overall enjoyable album.  The Soul/Motown influences didn't hinder them on the originality standpoint, in fact, it helped them stand out even more so as their indie/underground upbringing blended with their influences quite smoothly.  For an album recorded in a living room, the sound they created trumps some full length studio albums on quality.

  

Rating: 8.3/10

Sound Of Silver Review

With the "Sound Of Silver" you get LCD Soundsystem delivering on all fronts with electronic dance music that will be sure to amp up your day.  Each track on here has an electric current running through it as James Murphy's creation has the energy to zap you into oblivion.  "Sound Of Silver" has consistency and depth sparkled throughout each song and as your left listening you can't help but get sucked into the seductive beats and charm provided throughout.

The droning beats on "Sound Of Silver" really attest to the craft of James Murphy.  Not only do you feel like you're at a club in the 80's, but you also hear hints of David Bowie, Glam Rock, and elements of traditional rock music.  LCD Soundsystem does a great job here of combining many different elements of each genre they use to their advantage.  Songs like "Get Innocuous!" and "Time To Get Away" provide a new age sound to samples from older art rock bands like Brian Eno and The Velvet Underground.    

Though there are many samples used from that golden age of art rock/glam rock, all of these songs are unique in their own special way.  Each track is enjoyable as you take a modern walk down memory lane with little reason to stop listening.  The individual tracks on here have their own different message and no one song feels like the others.  The art rock theme may be prevalent but the individuality that Murphy plugs into each and every song really serves as a testament to his craft.

Final Summary: 

At the end of the day, "Sound Of Silver" provides us with an album high on the scale for production value and for overall satisfaction.  Even the send off song "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down" has a lot of character to it as the somber ballad closes the door gently on this album.  But James Murphy does a wonderful job making each track seem spacious and full of life as the computer driven album keeps its heart in place through the electronic jungle.

Rating: 8.7/10 

Revolver Review

"Revolver" is widely known as one of the Beatles' transitional albums in to the second half of their musical career.  The album is filled with stellar classics such as "Eleanor Rigby", "Yellow Submarine", and "Taxman" just to name a few.  The jump from the poppy, boy band sound to a more mature, experimental sound is heard in snippets on this record.  "Revolver" is the predecessor to "Sgt Peppers" and you can hear the Beatles branching out a bit more on this album.

"Revolver" features songs from each member of the group individually.  Songs like "I'm Only Sleeping" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" show John Lennon's personality in tenfold as these tracks serve as artistic achievements and milestones for Lennon's career.  McCartney served the band with some of the more somber/moody songs such as "Eleanor Rigby" and "For No One", but picked up the pace and energy with songs like "Good Day Sunshine" and "Got To Get You Into My Life".  Harrison had three songs credited to him.  "Love You To" is one of the first songs introducing the sitar into the Beatles' library and it showed signs of growth for Harrison as an individual song writer.  Even Ringo had a song to his credit with "Yellow Submarine"; one of the more iconic Beatles songs out there.

With each an every track on "Revolver" you see a band that is maturing into a fully cohesive unit while growing rapidly individually also.  This album fortified the belief that the Beatles weren't just a one-trick pop band; it showed that they had the ornate ability to create masterful pop songs that could stick in the annals of music history forever.  They mastered the early 60's with iconic songs that made all the girls go wild; but they defined themselves as artists with records like "Revolver".

Final Summary:

Overall, "Revolver" changed the definition of what a pop album is.  The transition for the group into full-fledged masters of their own destiny showed the evolution of the music industry; giving the artists full control of every aspect of their craft.  The Beatles were definitely pioneers of this new movement and with albums like "Sgt Peppers" and "The White Album" following this album; you could call "Revolver" the stepping stone needed to launch the band into the stratosphere.

Rating: 10/10